COVID-19 WRAP | 134 deaths reported bringing the total to 81,595 deaths in SA

August 29 2021 - 21:00

134 deaths reported bringing the total to 81 595 deaths in SA

As of today the cumulative number of #Covid19 cases identified in SA is 2 764 931 with 7 740 new cases reported.

The cumulative number of recoveries now stand at 2 526 199 with a recovery rate of 91,4%

August 29 2021 - 18:49

US Pfizer approval is the boost SA vax drive needs

The recent approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), America’s medical and food watchdog, will help boost SA’s own rollout.

Until now, the vaccine had been rolled out under the FDA’s emergency use authorisation, which allows for medicines to be used in times of public health emergencies.

While the FDA’s green light was expected — the vaccine having successfully negotiated three phases of human trials — the approval has come just in time as vaccine programmes in numerous countries stutter in the wake of fake news and hysteria drummed up by anti-vaxxers. 

August 29 2021 - 15:27

Israel offers Covid-19 booster shots to all vaccinated people

Israel on Sunday began offering a Covid-19 booster shot to anyone who has been fully vaccinated, lowering the age of eligibility to 12.

"Starting today, the third vaccine dose is open to all," said Health Ministry Director General Nachman Ash, referring to the Pfizer vaccine.

Reuters

August 29 2021 - 14:28

Moyikwa Sisulu, grandson of Walter and Albertina Sisulu, dies of Covid-19 related complications

The grandson of SA struggle stalwarts Walter and Albertina Sisulu, Moyikwa Sisulu, has died of Covid-19 related complications, leaving behind his partner and their newborn baby. 

The Sisulu family said the 41-year-old died at Morningside Clinic in Johannesburg on Saturday morning.

“It is with an overwhelming sense of heartbreak that the Sisulu family confirms the untimely passing of our beloved Moyikwa Zwelethu Sisulu,” said the family in a statement.

According to the family, Moyikwa and his partner, Aisha Jackson, fell ill in early August and were diagnosed with Covid-19, after the birth of their baby.

August 29 2021 - 11:31

Motshekga: 'It has become quite clear that we shouldn't scrap the October school holidays'

Basic education minister Angie Motshekga confirmed during a media briefing on Sunday that after a meeting with the nine MECs of education on Friday it was decided that the October holidays will not be used to “to claw back lost time”.

This was after the July holidays were extended by a week after a spike in Covid-19 infections.

The department’s initial proposal to do away with the holidays scheduled from October 4 to 8 was slammed by teacher unions, governing body associations and a principals’ association.

August 29 2021 - 05:59

Partying KZN MEC fined half her salary for flouting Covid-19 rules

KwaZulu-Natal health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu has been fined half her months salary, handed a warning letter and ordered by her boss premier Sihle Zikalala to apologise within seven days for breaching Covid-19 lockdown regulations when she attended her "surprise" party last week.

Zikalala demanded answers from Simelane-Zulu after TimesLIVE published a video and photos of the MEC partying up a storm with friends on her birthday where there was no social distancing and wearing of masks.

August 29 2021 - 05:50

Singapore fully vaccinates 80% of population against Covid-19

Singapore has fully inoculated 80% of its 5.7 million people against COVID-19, the health minister said on Sunday, becoming the world's most vaccinated country and setting the stage for further easing of curbs.

"We have crossed another milestone, where 80% of our population has received their full regimen of two doses," Ong Ye Kung said in a Facebook post.

That gives the tiny city-state the world's highest rate of complete vaccinations, according to a Reuters tracker. Authorities have said they will further ease COVID-19 restrictions after hitting the 80% milestone.

Reuters